Money & M-PESA

How to reverse an M-PESA payment sent to the wrong number

Sent money to the wrong person? Forward the M-PESA confirmation message to 456 straight away, then follow these steps. Here's what to do and what to avoid.

⏱ Takes about 2 minutes to request; Safaricom then contacts the recipient💳 Cost: Free✔ Last checked 12 November 2026

If you sent money to the wrong number, act quickly: the sooner you ask for a reversal, the more likely the money is still in the recipient's account.

Ask for the reversal

  1. Open the M-PESA confirmation SMS for the payment (the message from MPESA that starts with the transaction code, e.g. *SKL4XXXXXX Confirmed*).
  2. Forward that whole message to 456, without changing it.
  3. You'll get a reply that your request has been received. Safaricom then contacts the person who received the money.
  4. If they don't object and the money is still there, it's returned to your M-PESA and you get an SMS.

You can also request a reversal from the M-PESA app or the My Safaricom app, or by calling Safaricom customer care.

Warning: Reversals only come from Safaricom. Never call a number that texts you saying "I'll reverse it for you", and never give anyone your M-PESA PIN. Fraudsters often pretend to have sent money "by mistake" and ask you to send it back. See how to avoid M-PESA scams.

If the reversal fails

  • The recipient already withdrew or spent the money: Safaricom can't take it back from an empty account. Report the case to Safaricom customer care with the transaction code, and to the police if the person refuses to return it.
  • You paid the wrong Paybill or Till: contact the business on the Paybill or Till first; many can refund you directly. Otherwise, use the same steps above.
  • Someone asks you to reverse money they "sent by mistake": don't send anything yourself. Check your M-PESA balance (not the SMS) and tell them to request the reversal through Safaricom.

Avoid it next time

  • Before you press OK, read the name on the confirmation screen.
  • Save regular numbers in your contacts and send from your phonebook.
  • For bills, double-check the Paybill and account number on the official invoice.
Steps, fees and websites change from time to time. This guide was last checked on 12 November 2026. Before you pay or submit anything, confirm the details on the official website (Safaricom M-PESA help). Never share your PIN or passwords with anyone who calls or texts you.